Surely you have heard of the citronella essential oil, after all, is one of the most common oils used in both homemade and commercial insect repellants, as it repels mosquitoes and many other insects. Even the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) considers it to be a “biopesticide” that offers a non-toxic way of fighting insects.
Nevertheless, citronella oil offers many other benefitsthanks to its antifungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.
Lemongrass essential oil is a concentrated form of phytochemicals and antioxidants that is extracted from the leaves and stems of two varieties of the Asian citronella herb plant, Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon Winterianus. In both cases, the oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fresh plant. It has been used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years in places like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and China to help reduce inflammation, lessen skin rashes, fight infection, relieve pain, and combat a host of other health conditions. It has a rich citrus aroma, hence its name.
6 ways to reap the benefits of citronella oil
This oil can be very useful both for the home and the garden, to improve some health conditions and reduce symptoms, as well as for aesthetic and beauty treatments.
1. Reduce inflammation and relieve arthritis pain
Citronella oil offers powerful anti-inflammatory properties along with sedative and calming effects for internal inflammation. Along with its powerful antioxidant compounds and ability to improve blood flow, it is often used to naturally treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and can provide almost immediate pain relief.
To use, combine a few drops with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, olive oil, or coconut oil, and apply to sore and swollen joints and muscles.
2. Repel insects
The citronella oil has been used as an insect repellant in combination with some other plants. It has even been found to repel the potentially dangerous mosquito species known as Aedes aegypti, which is capable of spreading dengue fever.
While you can simply apply a few drops of citronella essential oil mixed with a tablespoon of a carrier oil like coconut oil as a lotion to all exposed skin areas, using it as part of a natural bug spray recipe can be the most effective way. to fight against insects. It’s easy to make your own repellent at home, without DEET or harmful chemicals, using the following recipe:
You will need to:
- 2 ounces of purified water (or boiled water).
- 1.5 ounces of witch hazel.
- 20 drops of citronella essential oil.
- 15 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil.
- 4-ounce or larger glass spray bottle.
Instructions.
- Add the 2 ounces of purified or boiled water to the spray bottle.
- Then pour in the essential oils and shake well.
- Use it to spray any exposed areas of skin, as well as hair and even clothing, but be careful to avoid contact with your eyes.
3. Make a natural deodorant
You can also make a great-smelling natural deodorant with citronella essential oil that doesn’t contain the potentially harmful chemicals found in conventional deodorants, such as parabens, aluminum, and propylene glycol.
Parabens, which are often used as preservatives, can mimic the hormone estrogen which could contribute to breast cancer. A 2004 study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found that long-term low doses of parabens (which is what humans are typically exposed to) can accumulate intact in the body.
They tested 20 women with breast tumors and found a significant amount of live, intact parabens in the tumors of all of them. Deodorants have also been linked to health problems, including neurological damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as conditions such as anemia, Lou Gehrig’s disease, glucose intolerance, memory problems, and Parkinson’s disease .
Fortunately, citronella’s wonderful lemony-citrus scent can mask body odor, while its antibacterial properties help eliminate the buildup of bacteria in your armpits that can smell bad.
How to make a deodorant with citronella oil
You will need to:
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
- 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder.
- 4 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- 4 drops of lemon essential oil.
- 4 drops of citronella essential oil.
- An empty deodorant container.
Instructions:
- Add the baking soda and arrowroot to a small bowl and mix well.
- Then add the lemon, citronella oil, and coconut oil, and mix well again.
- Transfer the mixture to the empty deodorant container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- After that period, it will be ready for use.
4. Fight acne and other skin conditions
Because the citronella essential oil has antibacterial properties, is extremely effective when it comes to fighting bacteria that can cause acne. It can also help heal eczema and dermatitis, slow skin aging, and treat some types of fungal infections, as well as speed wound healing, get rid of warts, fade age spots, and treat boils.
Lemongrass is very good for reducing sebum buildup and treating oily skin. To use it to fight acne, you need to mix five drops of citronella essential oil and one teaspoon of witch hazel in half a cup of water. Use it as a solution to cleanse your face. In addition to fighting acne, it can help skin look younger and smoother.
5. Natural shampoo and conditioner
Many personal care and beauty products found on store shelves contain a host of potentially harmful ingredients. In fact, more than 12 toxic ingredients have been found in shampoos and conditioners linked to cancer and other diseases and conditions, including triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, retinyl palmitate, and polyethylene glycol.
Instead you can use citronella essential oilsince one of its most popular uses is for clean and condition hair and the scalp. It helps remove excess oil while adding shine and fighting dandruff as it contains antifungal properties that help control scalp infections.
It can help protect hair from sun damage, detangle tough knots, and even add volume to hair. The easiest way to use citronella as a hair cleanser is to mix a few drops with almond oil or coconut oil in its liquid form and then massage the oil into your scalp.
To condition hair, heat about a nickel-sized portion in your palms, then gently rub into the ends of your hair, no need to rinse.
6. Natural household cleaner
Thanks to its powerful antibacterial and antifungal propertiescitronella is also an excellent natural household cleanerr. It can be used to clean the bathroom, kitchen and surfaces without resorting to harsh chemicals. It’s even effective at getting rid of foodborne pathogens and harmful bacteria.
To make an all-purpose citronella cleaning spray, you will need:
- 16 oz spray bottle.
- 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) additional purified water.
- 1 tablespoon unscented liquid castile soap.
- 10 drops of pure tea tree oil.
- 5-10 drops of citronella essential oil.
Fill your spray bottle with the purified water. Add the liquid castile soap, tea tree oil, and citronella essential oil. If you still have room, fill the bottle to the top with additional purified water. Replace the lid, then shake well to combine.